Celtic ace pinpoints key reason for putting new deal talks on hold despite contract expiration in six months
The Parkhead mainstay is keeping his cards close to his chest in regards to a new Celtic deal.
As the final International break of 2025 commences, a Celtic star has been asked why he is yet to sign a new contract at the club.
Martin O’Neill’s side went into the break in high spirits after their 4-0 demolition of Kilmarnock. With the 73-year old’s Celtic future uncertain, it could be his last ever game in the Celtic dugout, as Columbus Crew boss, Wilfried Nancy looks likely to take the permanent role.
The future is also uncertain for Celtic goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, as his Hoops contract is up next summer. The Dane has been a reliable figure between the sticks since signing from Anderlecht in 2024 but at the age of 39, he now has a big decision to make regarding his future.
‘The club has bigger things to think about’
In what may alarm sections of the Celtic support, no immediate talks appear to have started for a new Schmeichel deal, however the veteran stopper has simply put this down to the ongoing situation at the club. He said: “the club has bigger things to think about than my contract right now.
"We have always had an agreement that we will talk about the future quietly in February or March. We have to see where we stand by then. Right now we have a special situation at the club, so my focus is not on my contract at all. It has become so in the world of football that as soon as you are 28 years old, you are old – and then suddenly I am far, far too old. As soon as there is a three-digit number in front of the age, no one will make a contract longer than six months into the future."
Despite his age, Celtic could do a lot worse than the former Leicester City man, who is currently on International duty with Denmark. On Saturday night, he may have the chance to end Scotland’s World Cup dream as they face the Danes at Hampden.
A dependable veteran figure
When he signed for Celtic aged 37, eyebrows were raised by Celtic fans who thought the Premier League winner may be past his best, however the experience and know-how of the serial-winner has been a huge asset to the Celtic squad.
While Celtic’s form may have dipped since last season, Schmeichel is adamant that this is just a minor bump in the road and they’ll be back to their free-flowing, attacking, best when there is more stability at the club. He said: “last year we broke all records for how many goals we scored.
“This year we have had a bit more difficulty scoring goals. We have gone through a period where we have sold a lot of players and we have had a change of coach. It can happen to all clubs, and now the club has to find a direction to go in, and the club can use the international break to figure that out."